…rule the roost in national DJ contests
TWO Mutare wheel spinners curtained down the Year 2023 in style, and raised Manicaland’s flag high after coming out tops in two high profile national cup clashes.
They shrugged off stiff competition and walked away with cash, laptops and other accessories.
Youthful Zimta Park suburb-based spinner, Zviko Maponga, fondly known as DJ Irvinex, beat 23 other finalists to come out tops in the Carling Black Label DJ Clash champion held in Bulawayo recently.
Versatile DJ, Batsirai Manhanga, popularly known as Yellow Man came first at the National Cup Clash 2023 in a contest which was dominated by Harare-based DJs.
Yellow Man (24) beat Chitungwiza-based DJ Adama, and walked away with a DJ Deck, brand new laptop, headphones and two mics, while Ivernex went home with US$3 000, a controller, Apple Mac Laptop, Studio Monitor and cordless mic.
In recent interviews, the two bubbly DJs, said they feel motivated to do more. Yellow Man, who is based in Dangamvura, is not new to stardom after he was the runner-up (Dancehall category) in a talent show programme, Star Brite in 2017.
He is popular at most watering holes in the sprawling suburb as a guest DJ.
“This is a dream come true to me. It was a very tough contest which every DJ deserved to win. I was confident, but my major worry was having my own crowd that would cheer me up till the end.
“It was not easy, considering that I had to convince my fans with just three songs. I managed to conquer. It was a contest to remember. Fans loved me and my confidence grew after they fell in love with my music selection,” said Yellow Man.
He paid tribute to his family, show promoters and bar owners in Mutare for assisting him to nurture his talent.
“As a person living with albinism, I have faced a lot of discrimination, but my family has been there for me.
“They have always loved and supported me. This gave me the confidence to be my own person and compete in competitions like this.
“Being loved and appreciated gives one confidence. I am forever grateful. Show promoters like Tawanda Chitsa, who also runs Chitsa Bar and Spirits have also been my pillar of strength. Veteran DJs such as Ranga T and Spillz were also supportive,” added Yellow Man.
Prior to the Carling Black Label National Cup Clash, eight regional DJ clashes were held in Chinhoyi, Masvingo, Gweru, Bulawayo, Harare, Mutare, North, Harare South and Chitungwiza where winners from each region walked away with US$500, while the first runner-up received US$250.
Irvinex left the audience clamouring for more at the Manicaland provincial clash competition held at Stardom Bar at Macs Business Centre. He proceeded to the national contest bubbling with confidence.
“I was using an old controller, but I did not lose hope. I competed against very good wheel spinners with a lot of experience. I did not expect to be the winner, but I soldiered on. I will continue working hard to be among the best. I thank the organisers for giving us such a platform to shine,” he said.
Irvinex, who is one of Mutare’s finest DJs, is a versatile wheel spinner who specialises on various genres, especially new school music.
He started disc-jockeying when he was 10-years-old after being inspired by his elder brother.
He said he started playing in night clubs when he was in Grade Seven alongside his elder brother before his mother banned him. He is now a full time disc jockey.